On Saturday evening, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaged in a crucial phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman amid rapidly escalating tensions in the Middle East. The dialogue took place in the wake of a series of military actions initiated by Israel and the United States targeting Iran, which have significantly heightened regional instability. The Prime Minister’s Office released a statement highlighting Shehbaz Sharif’s strong condemnation of the serious escalation triggered by these attacks, which have also led to unfortunate assaults on other Gulf nations.
During the call, PM Shehbaz expressed Pakistan’s unwavering support and solidarity with Saudi Arabia during this challenging period. He emphasized that Pakistan stands firmly alongside its Saudi brothers and sisters, not only in times of crisis but continuously, regardless of the circumstances. This reaffirmation of solidarity underscores the deep-rooted historical and strategic ties between the two countries, which have long cooperated on economic, religious, and security fronts.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister conveyed Pakistan’s readiness to contribute constructively towards easing the mounting tensions in the region. He expressed hope that the blessings and spirit of the holy month of Ramadan would inspire all parties involved to seek peace and stability at the earliest opportunity. This appeal for calm reflects Pakistan’s traditional role as a mediator and advocate for dialogue in regional conflicts.
Earlier the same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received a phone call from Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. In this exchange, Dar strongly denounced the unprovoked attacks on Iran, calling urgently for an immediate halt to the escalating hostilities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that both diplomats discussed the rapidly evolving situation in Iran and the broader Middle East, emphasizing the critical need to revive diplomatic engagement. Dar stressed that de-escalation and a peaceful, negotiated resolution remain the only viable paths forward to prevent further bloodshed and instability.
The backdrop to these diplomatic efforts involves a series of military strikes carried out by Israel and the United States against Iranian targets. US President Donald Trump stated that the objective of these operations was to dismantle Tehran’s missile capabilities and prevent the development of nuclear weapons. In retaliation, Iran launched a barrage of missiles targeting Gulf countries and Israel, further intensifying the already volatile situation.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran claimed responsibility for strikes on the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, as well as other American installations across the Gulf region and multiple sites in Israel. These attacks triggered widespread explosions and activated air defense systems in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, and Iraq. Several Gulf states, including Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and Jordan, confirmed that their air defense systems successfully intercepted incoming Iranian missiles, preventing potentially catastrophic damage.
Tragically, the conflict has already resulted in civilian casualties. UAE state media reported one fatality in Abu Dhabi, while a missile strike on a school in Iran claimed the lives of 24 people. In Israel, the military dispatched search and rescue teams to various locations following reports of missile impacts. Tehran witnessed smoke rising over the Pasteur district, home to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompting heightened security measures across the capital. Israeli media speculated that Khamenei and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian were among the targets; however, Iranian state television assured the public that Pezeshkian remained unharmed. The Fars news agency confirmed missile impacts in the Keshvardoost and Pasteur neighborhoods of Tehran.
As the situation continues to develop, Pakistan’s leadership has underscored the urgent need for restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation. The Prime Minister’s outreach to Saudi Arabia and the Foreign Minister’s engagement with Iran reflect Islamabad’s commitment to playing a responsible role in promoting peace and stability in a region critical to global security and economic interests.
